Can I Keep My Cat If I’m Pregnant? Toxoplasmosis and Pregnancy Risks

Toxoplasma gondii is a single celled parasite that infects many mammals, but cats are unique in that they shed the parasite in their feces. Pregnant women should take precautions to avoid exposure to cat feces and any other source of contamination by Toxoplasma gondii while they are pregnant.

Infection by Toxoplasma is Rare, but Serious

Infection by Toxoplasma gondii is rare in cats and people, but very serious. Pregnant women, who have never been exposed to the organism, and who become infected during pregnancy, are at risk for serious, and even life threatening birth defects in their child.

Most people experience no signs or symptoms when infected, but a minority may experience clinical signs similar to the flu including headaches, sweats, muscle pain and lethargy. Cats too rarely show perceptible signs of infection, but may experience loss of appetite, lethargy and fever. For more on the signs and symptoms of infection by toxoplasma, go here

Before you can become infected with toxoplasmosis from your cat, several factors need to be in place. First, you have to had no previous exposure and developed no immunity to toxoplasma. As we mentioned above, the organism is very common and 15% of all pregnant women are likely to have been previously exposed and are subsequently immune to infection. Secondly, your cat must have an active infection of toxoplasma. Again, this is improbable, but not impossible. Lastly, the pregnant woman must be exposed to the organism in some way, either through improper handling of cat waste or some other unhygienic habit where the organism (present in cat feces) finds its way into the woman’s body. For more on infection by toxoplasma go here.

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Just Be Sensible and Careful

Congratulations on your pregnancy. Remember that infection by Toxoplasma gondii by way of your cat is very unlikely. Still, simple, sensible precautions should be taken for the benefit of your unborn child and general good health.